K-pop Agency Takes Legal Action Amid Dispute Over Plagiarism Allegations

Courtesy of Belift Lab

▲ K-pop girl group Illit / Courtesy of Belift Lab

Belift Lab, a K-pop agency housing the rookie girl band Illit, and a subsidiary of Hybe, has filed a lawsuit against Ador CEO Min Hee-jin for obstruction of business and defamation.

The dispute arose from Min Hee-jin's accusations that Illit plagiarized NewJean’s style shortly after their debut in March. This marks the first public statement from Belift Lab regarding the ongoing feud, as Hybe had previously addressed Min's allegations on behalf of Belift Lab.

In their statement, Belift Lab refuted Min’s plagiarism claims against Illit and asserted that evidence has been submitted to law enforcement to support their position. The agency emphasized that Illit members have faced significant abuse, ridicule, and personal attacks amidst the controversy, urging the public to refrain from condemning them.

The conflict escalated on April 3 when Min Hee-jin sent an email to Hybe CEO Park Ji-won and Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho, expressing concerns over suspicions of plagiarism. Min reiterated these claims at a press conference in Seoul on April 25.

▲ An official statement released by Belift Lab, Wednesday / Courtesy of Belift Lab

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